November 11, 2026 | Volleyball
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois head coach Chris Tamas announced on Wednesday three additions to the Fighting Illini's 2026 signing class. Mia Lamberti, Cika Saolotoga-Talaga, and Sofia Simic signed Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreements and are all set to join the Orange and Blue in January.
"I am very excited to add these three players to our program. They all work extremely hard and are ferocious competitors," Tamas said. "They all embrace the Fighting Illini spirit, and we look forward to their contributions both on and off the court. They will join us during the winter and will make an immediate impact on the program."
MIA LAMBERTI // PEORIA, ILL. // SETTER
- Three-time Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association 3A Girls All-State First Team (2024-26)
- Three-time All-Mid Illini Conference First Team
- Three-time Journal Star All-Area First Team
- Two-time Journal Star Player of the Year
- Three-time Champaign News-Gazette All-State
- Two-time AVCA All-State First Team
- 2025 AVCA Girls High School All-America Third Team
- 2023 IVCA 3A Girls All-State Second Team
- 2026 AVCA All-Region
- 2024 AAU Nationals All-Tournament Team
- Four-time Honor Roll honoree at Limestone Community High School
Coach Tamas on Lamberti: "Mia is an exceptional all-around player and has elevated any team that she has been on. She has smooth hands and has a good feel for the game."
Why Illinois? "I love the program and the coaches. I have been coming to camps for a long time, and it has felt like home. I love the beauty and culture of the campus and the fact that it is close to home."
CIKA SAOLOTOGA-TALAGA // LONG BEACH, CALIF. // LIBERO/DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST
- Four-time Moore League champion
- Three-time All-Moore League First Team (2024-26)
- 2023 All-Moore League Second Team
- Four-year varsity letter winner at Long Beach Poly High School
- Named to All-Moore League First Team and Redondo Classic All-Tournament team as a senior
- Two-time Press-Telegram Dream Team
Coach Tamas on Saolotoga-Talaga: "Cika has won at every level. She has great touch and a high volleyball IQ. She will be a tremendous addition to our passing and defense."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because of the coaches. From the very beginning, they made me feel welcomed and at home. Knowing I would be moving across the country, it was important for me to find coaches I could trust and feel comfortable with. Their genuine care for me as both a player and a person made Illinois the right place for me."
SOFIA SIMIC // HOISINGTON, KAN. // OUTSIDE HITTER
- Three-time All-League First Team (2024-26)
- 2025 Kansas 3A Player of the Year
- Two-time unanimous All-State selection
- Holds Kansas' all-time and all-class record for most aces in a single season
- Has recorded 2,000+ kills across her four years at Hoisington High School
- 2025 USA Volleyball NTDP invitee
- Trained with Serbian national team over the summer in 2025 and 2026
- Under Armour Next Camp invitee from 2023-25
Coach Tamas on Simic: "Sofia is a six-rotation player who is a proven leader and works hard to improve her game. She has a big arm and all-around skills that will add depth to our pin hitters."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because of the amazing coaching staff and people that made campus feel like home!"
